Big Void Without Big Papi: 5 Injury Replacements
By orleanscardinals at 3 June, 2008, 11:14 am
The news is out that Red Sox Designated Hitter David Ortiz is out at least a month and may need season ending surgery on his injured wrist. The team already placed Ortiz on the disabled list and will wait it out to determine whether the injury can heal on its own. If there is little to no improvement, the verdict may be grim.
Source: AP Photo/ Steve Ruark
This announcement adds to what can only be called a roller coaster ride for David Ortiz fantasy owners. After a disappointing April which saw Big Papi hit only .198, a relatively hot May had finally brought the slugger over the .250 BA mark. Even with a low average, Ortiz was still helping out; hitting in clutch situations and knocking in 13 HR’s and 43 RBI, coupled with a respectable .354 OBP.
If you’re one of those fantasy owners struggling to find an injury replacement now, here are 5 possible options from your league’s list of available free agents (availability based on ESPN data).
- Aubrey Huff
Available in 24% of leagues, Huff is on pace to replicate numbers from the 2003 - 2005 timeframe, when he averaged 28 HR’s and around 100 RBI. In Yahoo leagues, Huff is also eligible at 3B, making him even more valuable. But pick Huff up quick though; the latest update from Yahoo Expert Brandon Funston says he’s only available in 54% of leagues, so he’s definitely not flying under radar anymore. - Jorge Cantu
Owned in approximately 48% of leagues, Cantu is batting 3rd in a surprisingly good Florida lineup, knocking in 8 HR’s and 28 RBI thus far this season. In Yahoo leagues, Cantu is also eligible to play 3B, which makes him a bit more attractive. It’s worth noting that in 2005, Cantu hit 28 HR’s and drive in 117 RBI but it was also the only season he ever played more than 80% of the schedule. - Sean Casey
The obvious beneficiary of Big Papi’s injury will not help you with the power numbers, but Casey is a career.302/.361 OBP player. In what still is a potent Red Sox lineup, Casey should contribute decently in RBI and runs scored with a solid BA, even if home run power is lacking. - Chad Tracy
Tracy’s numbers aren’t spectacular (career high 27 HR’s and 80 RBI over 2005 & 2006) but it seems like he’ll get decent playing time behind Conor Jackson and Mark Reynolds at 1st and 3rd respectively. Arizona is scoring runs and has a good lineup, so it’s reasonable to assume that if Tracy gets enough at-bats, he can put up fairly good numbers. If he can stay healthy, he also may be trade material and get regular playing time that way as well. He’s owned in less than 3% of available ESPN leagues. - Lyle Overbay
The Blue Jays are still hanging around in the AL East and while Overbay’s numbers are certainly not exciting (.278/5 HR/21 RBI/24 Runs) he did hit 22 HR’s and knock in 92 RBI 2 years ago, so as players get back from injury, its conceivable their offense will start producing more. At the least, Overbay holds a very solid .386 OBP, which means he’s giving himself a decent opportunity to contribute for statistics, even if the rest of the team is not. He’s owned in only 4% of available leagues. - BONUS: Travis Hafner
I’ve already railed against Pronk last week, but there is that chance that a few weeks on the DL will allow him to refocus and get the needed rest to come back and be productive at the plate. He hasn’t hit less than 20 HR’s since 2003, but lingering shoulder injuries should temper your expectations of a complete turnaround.
The reality is that it will be very difficult to replace 30+ home runs and 100+ RBI/runs scored and let’s hope Ortiz’s wrist improves over the next 4+ weeks enough that he can contribute later in the summer. In the meantime, stash Big Papi on your DL and hope for the best, while also looking for the best alternative to fill your newly vacated 1B slot.
Dont sweat BiG Papi, he’ll be there for the series and probably crush 5 home Runs..